Kel Moore made his decision to retire as a Richmond player a couple of days ago, after weighing up the short-term benefits of an AFL career compared with his long-term well-being.

Moore underwent surgery on his troublesome hip numerous times, in a desperate attempt to return to the playing field with the Tigers.

To his great credit, he succeeded, making his long-awaited comeback in the Round 16 clash with Gold Coast at Cairns, followed by two other senior appearances.

But, as he told Tiger great, Matthew Richardson, in a special “Roar Vision” interview today, he knew the time had come for him to hang up his boots . . .

“You just know when the time is right, you just can’t go on,” Moore said.

“It was a real battle to get back.

“I wanted to prove to people I could do it, after being told I’d never play again... You have to weigh up short-term footy versus long-term quality of life, and my hips still give me a fair bit of trouble.

“Ideal world, I’d love to be going on and having the success that the Club is going to get in the coming years, but it would have been selfish of me to try and go on.

“It is sad, but also exciting.

“It’s a new chapter, it’s time to move on from the Club, and who knows where I’ll be in a few years’ time . . .

“I’ve enjoyed every minute of being at the Club and love the Club, love the players, but now that chapter’s closed and I look forward to the future.”

Moore admitted he was “a blubbering mess” when he informed teammates of his retirement decision at the Club this morning.

“I thought I’d be alright, but when you turn around and face the players and start telling them that you’re no longer going to be part of the Club, and to see a few of them tear up . . .

“I’ve been through so much with the players - blood, sweat and tears - and all of a sudden you’re telling them that you’re no longer going to be a part of where they’re heading.”

Moore described the moments immediately after a win as his favourite memories in his time at Tigerland.

“The five minutes after a win, celebrating with your mates and having the hugs after a game, they’re the times that I’m really going to miss.”